The rules (Rule 20-1) only state that the marker should be (as opposed to must be) marked using a “ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object. The USGA and R&A consider it “appropriate” for players to use a small, round, relatively flat object – whether this is a coin, or something specifically manufactured for use as a ball marker. But the governing bodies do not require such an object be used. (That’s the difference between using “should” or “must” in the note to Rule 20-1 quoted above.) Rule 20-1 offers several examples of unorthodox ways to mark a golf ball on the green, each of which are fine although they do not conform with the request of the Note to Rule 20-1:
⦁ -placing the toe of a club at the side of, or behind, the ball
⦁ -using a tee
⦁ -using a loose impediment
All of the above methods go against the “recommendation” in the Note to Rule 20-1; remember, you should use something small, round and relatively flat such as a coin or an object specifically manufactured as a ball marker. But the fact is, you could mark your ball with a cupcake if you wanted to. That would be very poor etiquette, and you shouldn’t do it – but there’d be no penalty. (Unless you’re playing with me, in which case I might eat your ball marker.)